A legal effort by Philadelphia’s district attorney to halt Elon Musk’s $1 million daily giveaways to registered voters has been paused and moved to federal court. On Thursday, Musk’s attorneys, who represent his conservative political action committee (PAC) America, argued that the case should fall under federal law rather than state law, prompting the shift to federal court.
District Attorney Larry Krasner contended that the case should stay in state court because it pertains to influencing voters in Pennsylvania. However, Judge Angelo Foglietta decided to hold the case while federal courts determine whether they will take it on, likely delaying any decision until after the presidential election on November 5.
Krasner has since filed a motion to have the case returned to state court, as reported by The Washington Post.
Musk’s America PAC is conducting a lottery-style giveaway of $1 million daily to registered voters who sign a pledge in support of gun rights and free speech. So far, 13 winners have been chosen, including four from Pennsylvania. Initially, there was also a smaller incentive of $100 for Pennsylvanians who signed the pledge or referred others, but that offer has now expired.
Pennsylvania is one of seven crucial battleground states in the tight race between Trump and Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris. Musk’s PAC plans to distribute $1 million each day from November 1-5 to registered voters in Pennsylvania, along with other key states like Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Georgia.
Musk was ordered to attend the Thursday hearing but did not appear.
